Face Lift Surgery

As we age, the face naturally loses some of its underlying structure, and gravity naturally pulls the skin downward. In fact, as we age, we lose fat from the face along with some bone as it is absorbed over time. A facelift can be an excellent approach to dealing with these issues, such as when one feels their aging external appearance does not match their attitude toward life.

A face lift is a popular and well-known surgical procedure designed to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck. Face lift is one of the more commonly sought cosmetic surgeries, and can be adapted to meet your individual goals.

When done well, face lift surgery provides better definition of your features and a fresher, livelier appearance without an artificial look.

Who is a good candidate for a face lift?

An ideal candidate for a facelift has:

  • Moderate to deep signs of aging in the lower third of the face
  • Sagging cheeks
  • Deep wrinkles and prominent “smile lines”
  • Excessive jowling
  • Loose neck skin

How is face lift surgery performed?

Face lift surgery techniques continually develop and advance with time, and have become what can be a rather advanced series of processes, including the potential for better sculpting of the tissue beneath the face.

The full face lift procedure requires an incision starting in the hair in front of the ear, following the front of the ear, curving around the bottom of the ear and following the back of the ear to end inside the hair behind the ear.

A face lift is an excellent way to reduce the signs of aging on the face and neck, however, face lift surgery does have some limitations. Having a realistic approach and an honest consultation with Dr. Maddali will ensure that your results match your expectation.

A facelift can certainly help you look your best, but it will not last forever. In general, patients usually feel that gravity and aging continue to have their effects and request to have another tightening procedure after 10 or more years. General considerations like facial structure and bone shape may limit the amount of sculpting Dr. Maddali can safely perform.

How long does it take to recover from a face lift?

A complication-free recovery begins before surgery, by discontinuing the use of alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol can thin the blood, complicating the body’s healing process, and tobacco use affects the healing of delicate structures and reattached blood vessels. If you have short hair, you might consider growing it longer prior to surgery to better hide the evidence of incisions while healing.

After face lift surgery, you will be required to keep parts of your face wrapped, and occasionally a small tube may be placed under the neck to drain excess fluid.

Recovery times will vary by person, taking as little as ten days or up to a month. Keeping the head elevated is generally advised as well as occasional use of cold packs in order to keep the swelling down. Dr. Maddali will prescribe a pain medication to alleviate any pain or discomfort.

Most of the swelling should go down after 24 to 48 hours, though some areas of the face may stay swollen and bruised for a couple weeks. Numbness may be experienced, although for most people sensation typically returns after a few months.

To learn more about facelift surgery in San Francisco, contact the plastic surgery office of Sirish Maddali MD.